This bright and simple recipe for caramelized pineapple in the air fryer has become my secret weapon for turning a plain fruit bowl into something celebratory. I first discovered this method during a humid summer weekend when I wanted dessert with minimal fuss and no oven heat. The result was a warm, fragrant plate of pineapple with golden edges and a deep caramel note from the brown sugar. My kids called it "tropical candy," and I started making it whenever we wanted an easy treat that felt special.

The texture is the real delight: pineapple that is tender and juicy in the center with chewy, caramelized edges. The sugar melts and draws out the pineapple's natural juices, then the hot air circulates those sugars into a pleasing glaze. A dusting of cinnamon adds warmth without overpowering the fruit. It’s fast, uses only pantry staples, and works with rings, spears, or chunks depending on how you plan to serve it — over vanilla ice cream, dolloped with whipped cream, or stacked on pancakes for a weekend breakfast twist.

Ingredients

• Fresh pineapple: One whole pineapple, sliced and cored into rings, spears, or 1-inch cubes to yield about 4 cups of cut fruit. Choose a pineapple that is slightly soft at the base and fragrant at the crown; this indicates ripeness. Queen or MD2 varieties work well for sweetness and reliable texture.
• Light brown sugar: 2 to 4 tablespoons, depending on how sweet and caramelized you want the finish. Light brown sugar melts and provides a gentle molasses note; brand suggestions include Domino or C&H for consistent granule size.
• Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon adds warmth and depth without masking the pineapple. Use a fresh jar for the best aromatic result.
• Neutral oil spray: A light coating of nonstick cooking spray for the basket prevents sticking and helps sugars caramelize evenly. Use an oil with a high smoke point such as canola or refined avocado oil.

Instructions

Preheat:Set the air fryer to 375 F (190 C) and allow it to come to temperature for 3 to 5 minutes. A fully preheated fryer helps sugars start to caramelize at the surface right away, producing a better crust.Prepare the pineapple:Slice off the top and base, stand the pineapple upright, and use a sharp chef's knife to remove the skin and eyes in vertical strips. Core and cut into your chosen shape — rings, spears, or 1-inch cubes. Aim for pieces of uniform size so they cook evenly; I prefer 1-inch cubes for quick, consistent caramelization.Toss with sugar and spice:In a large bowl, combine the cut pineapple with 2 to 4 tablespoons light brown sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Toss gently until every piece has a thin coating of sugar and spice. The sugar will draw moisture from the pineapple and form the glaze as it heats.Air fry — first side:Lightly spray the fryer basket or tray. Arrange pineapple in a single layer, leaving a bit of space between pieces for airflow. Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes until the undersides show golden spots and juices start to bubble.Flip and finish:Carefully remove the basket, flip each piece with tongs so the other side faces the heat, and return to the fryer for another 6 to 8 minutes. Total cooking time should be 12 to 16 minutes depending on your cutter shape and preferred caramelization. Look for deep golden edges and an amber glaze.Cool and serve:Let the pineapple rest until warm rather than piping hot so the glaze sets slightly. Serve plain or paired with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or as a fruity pancake or oatmeal topper.

Storage Tips

Store cooled pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Glass containers with tight lids preserve flavor best and prevent the glaze from softening too much. If you freeze, lay pieces in a single layer on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag; use within 3 months. Reheat frozen pieces in the air fryer at 350 F (175 C) for 4 to 6 minutes, flipping once, or microwave in short bursts for quicker thawing. Look for a glossy glaze and intact fruit texture — over-reheating will make the pineapple mealy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re avoiding refined sugar, swap brown sugar for coconut sugar at a 1:1 ratio; it will produce a deeper, earthier caramel flavor. For a lower-sugar version, use 1 tablespoon of sugar and finish with a light brush of honey after air frying — note that honey is not vegan. Try smoked cinnamon or a pinch of ground ginger for a spicier profile. If fresh pineapple is out of season, thick canned rings work in a pinch; drain thoroughly and pat dry to reduce excess moisture before tossing with sugar.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm over a scoop of vanilla ice cream with a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a tropical dessert. For breakfast, top pancakes or waffles with warm pineapple and a drizzle of maple syrup. As a savory pairing, offer pineapple spears alongside grilled chicken or pork — the acid and sweetness make a lovely counterpoint. Garnish with fresh mint, a squeeze of lime, or a light dusting of flaky sea salt to accentuate the caramel tones.

Cultural Background

Pineapple has a history as a symbol of hospitality in many cultures, and caramelizing fruit over heat is a universal way to concentrate sweetness and change texture. This simple method borrows the grilling tradition of caramelized fruit from tropical cuisines and adapts it to modern air fryers, creating a quick version of a classic technique without requiring an outdoor grill. It pairs well with Latin and Hawaiian flavor profiles where pineapple plays a starring role.

Seasonal Adaptations

In summer, pair with fresh berries and a scoop of cold cream; in fall, add a pinch of nutmeg and serve with spiced yogurt. For winter brunches, finish with a drizzle of warm rum caramel sauce for holiday flair. Pineapple is available year-round, but the hottest summer months tend to yield the sweetest fruit and the juiciest results.

Meal Prep Tips

Make a double batch and refrigerate portions for quick desserts or breakfast toppings. Portion into small airtight containers so you can grab individual servings. For entertaining, reheat on low in the air fryer just long enough to warm through and revive the glaze, then transfer to a warmed serving dish to keep for guests.

Success Stories

Readers have told me they used this method to top grilled pork for an easy weeknight dinner and that the leftovers made sensational tacos the next day. One friend used caramelized rings as a dramatic stack for a birthday pancake tower — simple, but a crowd-pleasing upgrade. These stories show how the technique can move between sweet and savory with ease.

Whether you want a quick dessert, a bright breakfast twist, or a simple side, this air fryer method delivers consistently pleasing results. Try it once and you’ll find many ways to weave it into everyday meals and special occasions alike.